Jackson residents win push for public access gates

[TexasTowelie]

The Jackson City Council approved a long-awaited gate ordinance Tuesday, allowing neighborhood residents the opportunity to apply for public access gates.

The council voted 5 to 2 in support of the ordinance, with Ward 5 Councilman Kenneth Stokes and Ward 4 Councilman De'Keither Stamps against.

The city has spent a year holding public hearings, amending the ordinance. They’ve heard 22 members of the public speak on the matter.

A clear majority of residents offered their support of the ordinance and filled up the meeting room, making it standing room only.

Neighborhood and homeowner associations said the gate ordinance is a matter of public due process and a proactive way for the community to make their neighborhoods safer.

Read more: http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2017/09/12/jackson-residents-win-push-public-access-gates/658554001/

[tazkcmo]

1. Walls.

They're not just for Mexicans anymore. Funny how brick and mortar can provide so many a false sense of security so easily. Not so funny is the isolationist, barricade, us vs them attitudes of the same people.

[zipplewrath]

2. What is a public access gate?

I can't even see how this works.

[TexasTowelie]

4. They lock up the neighborhood

and the entrance has a gated entrance. I don't know if they have a guard at the gate or if it is controlled access by either a code or pass card. Nothing says welcome to the neighborhood like being asked to enter a five digit code to get inside.

[zipplewrath]

5. Gated Communities

Around here we call those "gated communities". Interestingly, various studies have shown that they don't actually increase safety, and to some slight degree may even make things worse.

[TexasTowelie]

6. To me, gated communities mean that someone has things that someone else might want to steal

while ungated communities mean that it is less likely that the residents have something worth taking, so I see your point.

[zipplewrath]

7. Patrolled less by police too

A suspected factor was also that they were patrolled less. Also that people got a false sense of security and "let down their guard".

[shraby]

3. Those who want walls and gates would do well to remember the Maginot line.